Sharpe finish as Crystal Palace collect ninth win of the campaign

Molly Sharpe’s stunning strike earned Crystal Palace a 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers in the FA Women’s Championship.

Sharpe rifled home the only goal of the game just before the break to give Palace their ninth win of the season, as they stay sixth in the second tier while Rovers remain 10th.

The hosts started the better at Hayes Lane and had an excellent chance to go in front after just nine minutes. 

Anna Filbey’s free-kick found Aimee Everett in the box but she was denied twice – first by a terrific save from Rovers keeper Alex Brooks before striking the rebound against the crossbar.

Palace were well on top by this stage and good play between Polly Doran and Hollie Olding prised open the visitors’ defence, but Annabel Blanchard could not quite stretch to meet the dangerous cross into the box.

The breakthrough then came just three minutes before half-time, Sharpe firing home to give Palace a well-deserved lead. 

Palace started where they had left off after the break as both Coral-Jade Haines and Olding had chance to double the advantage but both were foiled by excellent last-ditch defending. 

Rovers grew into the game as they searched for an equaliser. Their best chance fell to Saffron Jordan but she could not convert from Megan Hornby’s throughball after a terrific run.

Brooks was in action again to deny Paige Gayle and Rianna Dean as Palace piled on the pressure but despite a late push from Rovers, their profligacy went unpunished as Palace held on for all three points.